Hezbollah’s Deputy Chief Calls for Ceasefire Amid Conflict with Israel
Amid escalating tensions in south Lebanon, Hezbollah’s deputy chief Naim Qassem has expressed a willingness to engage in a ceasefire with Israel while warning of continued retaliation. The conflict intensified after Israel targeted Hezbollah leaders, including killing the group’s veteran secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah.
Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness to strike back at Israel if necessary but also proposed a ceasefire to de-escalate the situation. He outlined plans for the return of displaced residents and highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Israeli military actions.
On the other side, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue targeting Hezbollah, including in Beirut. As a result of the conflict, more than a quarter of Lebanon has been affected by military evacuation orders, reflecting the toll on civilians.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has urged Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza to avoid potential legal repercussions related to military aid. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and calling for measures to protect civilian populations in the region.